The best walks and hikes in Mule Canyon Wilderness Study Area

The Mule Canyon Trail to House on Fire offers a delightful stroll through a verdant canyon, where colorful cliffs rise above a path that often follows a dry riverbed. You'll encounter sections of well-marked dirt and slickrock as you make your way to the iconic Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling. It's an easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hike with minimal elevation gain, making it a fantastic option for families or anyone seeking a quick, scenic journey into history.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though timing is key for the main attraction. To witness the unique "House on Fire" effect, where sunlight creates a flaming illusion on the ruin's overhang, aim to be there between 10 AM and 11 AM. There's a small day-use fee payable at a kiosk near the trailhead, where parking is also available. Even for this short 26-minute outing, bringing water is always a good idea, especially during warmer periods.

This trail is a highlight in the Cedar Mesa area, renowned for its rich Ancestral Puebloan history. Beyond the famous House on Fire ruin, Mule Canyon itself is dotted with other ancient dwellings and petroglyphs, offering a tangible connection to inhabitants from 700 to 1,000 years ago. It's a perfect blend of accessible hiking and profound cultural immersion, showcasing why this location was so vital to its original residents.

The Cave Towers Trail offers a fascinating journey into ancient history, leading you through a desert landscape to remarkable Ancestral Puebloan ruins. You'll walk along a dirt path and slickrock sections, with scenic views of Mule Canyon unfolding around you. The highlight is undoubtedly the seven stone towers, some still remarkably preserved, perched dramatically on the canyon rim, providing a tangible link to a civilization from around 1200 AD.

This easy hike covers a distance of 0.6 miles (1.0 km) with no elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors and taking only about 16 minutes. While the trail is short, allow extra time to fully appreciate the archaeological sites. It's a great option for those seeking a family-friendly outing or a quick, high-reward historical exploration in Bears Ears National Monument.

Visiting these unique structures provides a rare opportunity to imagine the ancient community that once thrived here, with some towers believed to be defensive or even above-ground kivas. The towers were once multi-storied and were part of a larger network, in line of sight with the Mule Canyon Archaeological Ruin. This trail is a must-do for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Kane Gulch to Todie Canyon route plunges you into a dramatic desert landscape, where red/orange Cedar Mesa sandstone cliffs rise majestically above stream-braided plateaus. You'll navigate through washes and streambeds, encountering house-sized boulders and dense pinyon and juniper trees. This 6.2-mile (10.0 km) hike, rated moderate, offers a unique blend of rugged terrain and ancient history, with Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings like Junction Ruin tucked into the canyon walls. Expect a challenging journey that feels much longer than its 2 hours and 38 minutes, especially with the steep 250-foot descent into Todie Canyon.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this trail is known for its strenuous sections, particularly the entry into Todie Canyon. Permits are essential for both day hiking and overnight trips within Grand Gulch and its tributaries, so secure these well in advance. Be prepared for scarce and often stagnant water sources; carrying ample water and a reliable filter is non-negotiable for this remote adventure. The trailhead access is generally straightforward, but the challenging conditions mean an early start is always a good idea.

What makes this route truly stand out is its role as a gateway to the extensive Grand Gulch Primitive Area, allowing day hikers to reach archaeological sites that would otherwise demand multi-day backpacking. The solitude of the desert canyons is a major draw, offering a profound sense of wilderness and connection to the past. While the overall elevation gain is a mere 40 feet (12 metres), the technical nature of the terrain, including scrambling and routefinding, elevates the Kane Gulch to Todie Canyon trail difficulty beyond what the numbers suggest.

Embark on an easy hike to the historic Cave Towers, a short 0.3-mile (0.5 km) route with a minimal elevation gain of just 3 feet (1 metres). This quick adventure typically takes around 9 minutes to complete, offering a unique glimpse into the past. As you follow the path along the rim of Cave Canyon, you will discover the remains of ancient structures, set against a backdrop of classic desert scenery.

Planning your visit requires attention to the access road, which is unpaved and can be rough, featuring sections of slickrock and rocky terrain. For a smoother journey closer to the site, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended. If you do not have such a vehicle, you might need to park further away and walk a bit more to reach the trailhead.

This trail provides a fascinating look into Ancestral Puebloan history within the Bears Ears National Monument. You will encounter the remains of seven ancient towers, with one on the west side still featuring a significant standing wall and an intact doorway. The surrounding desert landscape, especially in spring, can surprise you with wildflowers, adding to the historical and natural appeal of this area.

Step into a classic desert landscape on the Butler Wash Interpretive Trail, an easy hike that offers a quick but profound journey. This short route, just 0.5 miles (0.7 km) with a gentle 82 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 12 minutes to complete, winding through piñon pines and juniper trees. You'll traverse sandy patches and slickrock, all while enjoying expansive views of the Comb Ridge cliffs, culminating in a clear view of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings known as the Butler Wash Ruins.

This easy to easy-to-moderate trail is ideal for families and beginners, providing an accessible way to experience the region's natural beauty and history. Interpretive signs along the path offer insights into the local ecosystem and the Ancestral Puebloan culture. Remember to stay on designated paths to help protect the fragile cliff dwellings for future visitors.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique blend of natural desert beauty and significant cultural heritage within Bears Ears National Monument. The well-preserved structures of the Butler Wash Ruins, dating back to around 1200 AD, offer a tangible connection to the past. It's also a fantastic introduction to hiking in both desert and slickrock environments, making it a notable stop in the region.